Workshops in the community

In the lead up to a large festival performance, the Sambanistas undertake a series of Music rehearsal workshops, costume workshops and puppet / prop / float making workshops.

All these workshops are completely free and open to the general public and all instruments, materials and tools are provided by the Sambanistas.

The Sambanistas have become known as much for our "on the road" workshops as for our performances. This is where the core group of members travel to the area of the festival to rehearse in the lead up to the event, and involve local people as performers in their own festival.

We also provide a variety of costumes in various sizes and head-dresses for the 'new recruits of the day' and offer carnival face painting free for all who participate in our parades.

These have proven to be a fantastic experience for everyone as it connects the Sambanistas directly with the festival audience and encourages many local people to become more active in the community arts. The resulting performances are always a huge success.